Profile

The anoa is a miniature water buffalo, similar in appearance to a deer, weighing 150 -
300 kg (330 - 660 lb). It lives in undisturbed montane
forest. Anoa apparently are found singly or in pairs, rather than herds, except when the
cows are about to give birth. One young is born per year.

The mountain anoa's range has probably always been restricted to the mountainous areas of
Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia, and possibly nearby
islands such as Buton. Too few data exist to quantify its status, but it appears to be
widely distributed on Sulawesi. There is little doubt that it has been in decline since
the beginning of the 20th century, and there is no doubt that it has declined over the
1970 - 1995 period, precipitously in some areas. (CBSG 1996)

Reasons for the mountain anoa's decline include hunting for hide, horns and meat by the
natives; shooting by the military; and loss of habitat due to the advancement of
settlement. Currently, hunting is the more serious factor in most areas. It does not
appear to be adaptable to humans.

Tidbits

*** Anoas are unusual among the wild cattle of Southeast Asia because they are one of
the few to depend mainly on undisturbed forest.

*** Very little is known about the ecology, behavior or general biology of the mountain
anoa.

Population Estimates:

History of Distribution:

The mountain anoa's range has probably always been restricted to the mountainous areas
of Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia, and nearby
islands such as Buton. Too few data exist to quantify its status, but it appears to be
widely distributed on Sulawesi. There is little doubt that it has been in decline since
the beginning of the 20th century, and there is no doubt that it has declined over the
1970 - 1995 period, precipitously in some areas. (CBSG 1996)

Threats and Reasons for Decline:

Reasons for the mountain anoa's decline include hunting for hide, horns and meat by the
natives; shooting by the military; and loss of habitat due to the advancement of
settlement. Currently, hunting is the more serious factor in most areas. It does not
appear to be adaptable to humans.